How to Plan Your 7-Day Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu Group Tour

Are you looking for an adventure like no other? Why not join a group tour and hike the spectacular Inca Trail to the UNESCO-listed Machu Picchu? Taking this route is one of the most popular trekking experiences in the world, and it’s easy to see why—it combines breathtaking Andean scenery with mystical Inca sites, so be prepared to be wowed every step of the way.

If you think organizing your trip alone seems too time-consuming and costly, then join this incredible tour. The 7-day Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu Group Tour takes care of all the arrangements from the moment you arrive at the Cusco airport, so all you need to focus on is enjoying the adventure. Here’s what you need to know to plan your Inca Trail trek:

Overview

This incredible tour is an all-inclusive package that covers everything you need to make the most of your 7-day adventure trekking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. You don’t have to worry about organizing accommodations, entry fees, meals, or transport tickets, as everything is taken care of.

Your adventure begins once you arrive at the Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport, where you’ll be picked up and taken to your hotel before embarking on your hike of a lifetime. During the trek, you’ll explore ancient Inca landmarks like Llactapata and Phuyupatamarca, with plenty of time to acclimate to the altitude and appreciate the stunning Andean scenery.

Itinerary

The 7-day trek to Machu Picchu is an intense experience. You’ll cover an estimated total of 46 km (28.5 miles) across four days of hiking, with the last day finishing at the iconic Machu Picchu in time for the sunrise. Here’s what the entire trip looks like:

Day 1 – Once you land at Cusco airport, you’ll be picked up and taken to your hotel, where you’ll meet your tour guide and other hikers to go over the itinerary and receive a short briefing.

Day 2 – On day two, you’ll travel by bus to the trailhead at Piscacucho, where you’ll start your trek. You’ll cross the Urubamba River and trek through beautiful forested areas until you arrive at your campsite at Wayllabamba.

Day 3 – Day three includes the longest and most strenuous part of the hike, where you’ll ascend from Wayllabamba up to Dead Woman’s Pass. This leg of the journey is about 9.6 km long and takes around 6 – 8 hours to complete.

Day 4 – On the fourth day, you’ll start with a visit to the Runkurakay archaeological site before passing through Sayaqmarca and Phuyupatamarca before reaching Wiñay Wayna, your final campground before Machu Picchu.

Day 5 – Day five is the day that you’ve all been waiting for – the day when reach Machu Picchu. You’ll start hiking in the early hours of the morning for about 1 – 2 hours until the Sun Gate. This is where you’ll get your first glimpse of the magnificent Inca citadel of Machu Picchu as the sun comes up, and you’ll spend the rest of the day exploring this incredible site.

Day 6 – On day six, you’ll wake up early to watch the sunrise at Machu Picchu, then explore some more if you want. Afterward, you’ll descend to the town below, Aguas Calientes, where you will have lunch and catch a train back to Ollantaytambo then to Cusco.

Day 7 – Day seven is the last day of the tour, and you’ll be transferred to the airport for your departing flight.

What’s Included

As mentioned earlier, the tour is all-inclusive, so you don’t have to worry about a thing. Here’s what’s included:

Airport pickup and drop-off – You’ll be picked up from the airport as soon as you land and dropped off for your departure flight.

Professional guide – You’ll be led by licensed guides who are trained in Andean culture and history.

Assistant tour guide (groups of 9 people or more) – For groups of nine or more, they’ll provide an assistant tour guide to ensure a smooth journey.

Sleeping bags – Comfortable sleeping bags are provided for you to use during the trek.

Inflatable mattresses – To make sure you have a comfortable and peaceful sleep, the tour provides inflatable mattresses to use in your campsite.

Walking sticks – To support your trek, walking sticks are also provided.

Entry fees to Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail – No need to worry about entry fees; it’s all taken care of

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup times start at 4:30 AM on the first day of the itinerary. Pickup points are based on your hotel’s location, which you provide when you book your adventure.

What to Expect

As with any epic adventure, it’s important to be prepared. The Inca Trail trek is a challenging hike that involves walking up and down steep inclines. Make sure to pack comfortable hiking boots, warm clothes, sunscreen, and a hat. You’ll also want to pack a small backpack with any medicines, a rain jacket, a camera, and some snacks.

Expect to be camping during the first three days of the trek, with your swag set up in designated campgrounds. These campsites include basic communal facilities, but there are no electrical facilities, and you’ll be given limited time to recharge your electrical devices throughout your hike. Finally, keep a positive attitude as the Inca Trail is an incredible experience that you’ll never forget.

Book the Tour Here

Ready to start planning your epic adventure? Book the 7-Day Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu Group Tour now by visiting this link: https://viator.com/tours/Cusco/7-Day-Inca-Trail-Trek-to-Machu-Picchu/d937-13854P17. Live the adventure of a lifetime and enjoy every step of the way.